CONTENTS

Chapter 2: Should I apply for a scholarship?

Regardless of what kind of scholarship you’re thinking of applying for, there are a few questions that you must ask yourself before doing so:

• Is this area as strong as it can be, or is there room for improvement?

If the answer is YES, go ahead with your application!

If the answer is NO, work on improving your skills so that you don’t waste your time. Rather than rushing into the application, you could really benefit from some extra time to prepare. Why not look into one of our expert private tutors for some extra guidance?

If you really cannot afford the fees without a scholarship, you may be eligible for a bursary. Visit our School Fees page to find out more.

• Will I be dedicated in my practice in the lead-up to the scholarship exam?

NO? There is no point going for a scholarship if you’re not going to give it your all. The competition is tough and preparation is crucial. Make sure you use your time wisely in order to bring your most confident performance on the day of the exam.

• Will I continue to deliver if I receive the scholarship?

Schools these days will take away scholarships from students who fail to meet the expectations.

If you receive an academic scholarship, make sure you dedicate time to revision and get good results in exams and homework. You have been given this award because your school has deemed you more capable than the average pupil, so you should not take it for granted.

If you receive a sports or arts scholarship, make sure you involve yourself in these aspects of school life. Hopefully, playing sports or contributing to school performances is a little more exciting than academia, so this part shouldn’t be too hard!

What are the chances of receiving a scholarship?

Since most scholarships are about prestige and academic ability, rather than financial means, they tend to be relatively token amounts of about 5%-25%, which is deducted from annual school fees.

At very good schools however, academic scholarships may amount to as much as 50%.

This makes them less competitive than bursaries, but far more impressive, so many parents like their children to try for them. There is nothing to lose, especially if you’re able to afford school fees.

While the success rate depends on how many people apply per year, many independent schools have begun to split scholarships between children. This means that there is no limit to the number they give out, as one award could be divided between two or more recipients.

Be realistic

While it is always worth trying for a scholarship, people tend to forget that it is a grueling process.

When children are very young, it is not worth putting them through a scholarship exam if it is going to end in disappointment. This can really knock a child’s confidence if they’re not ready, so parents must really know what their child is capable before signing them up for anything.

In this case, it’s always good to get a second opinion. You should visit our Tavistock Tutors page to get in contact with someone who can come and tell you your options!